Film Synopsis
Il sorpasso (1962) centers on a reserved university student who is persuaded to join an outgoing stranger for what begins as a brief drive through Rome. As their journey expands into a spontaneous trip across the Italian countryside while contrasting personalities, social backgrounds, and attitudes toward life gradually emerge, the unlikely companions develop a friendship that reveals both the freedoms and uncertainties of a rapidly changing society. This Italian comedy-drama examines youth and modernity within the economic boom of postwar Italy, as carefree optimism and restless ambition mask deeper questions about identity and fulfillment, with friendship, travel, and social observation.
Il sorpasso Blu-ray editions
See which disc extras are included across selected editions.
| Disc Extras | Criterion BD-A/US 2014 | Radiance BD-B/UK 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction by Alexander Payne | ||
| Una bella vacanza: Buon compleanno Dino Risi! (A Beautiful Vacation) | ||
| Back to Castiglioncello - Excerpts from Documentary | ||
| On a Trintignant Kick - Audio Essay by Tim Lucas | ||
| Parlando con Vittorio (Speaking with Gassman) - Excerpts from Documentary | ||
| Commedia all’italiana and “Il sorpasso” - Interview with Rémi Fournier Lanzoni | ||
| Interview with Actor Jean-Louis Trintignant | ||
| Interview with Co-Writer Ettore Scola | ||
| Interview with Director/Co-Writer Dino Risi [Criterion] | ||
| Interview with Director/Co-Writer Dino Risi [Radiance] | ||
| Interview with Richard Dyer | ||
| Theatrical Trailer |
Edition and Packaging Notes
- Criterion’s Blu-ray includes a 40-page booklet with writing by Phillip Lopate (“The Joys of Disillusionment”) and Antonio Monda (“Italy, Dark and Light”); and interview excerpts of director Dino Risi (“Risi in His Own Words”).
- Radiance’s Blu-ray is included in the “Commedia all’italiana: Three Films by Dino Risi” box set with Il vedovo (1959) and Il mattatore (1960). It includes an 80-page booklet with writing by Robert Gordon and Gino Moliterno.
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Collector’s guide
Compare presentation quality and explore notable disc extras across selected editions.
-
Introduction by Alexander Payne (5:18) -
Una bella vacanza: Buon compleanno Dino Risi! (A Beautiful Vacation) (2006, 55:21) -
Back to Castiglioncello (2012, 11:02) -
Parlando con Vittorio (Speaking with Gassman) (2005, 30:46) -
Commedia all’italiana and “Il sorpasso” (15:43) -
Interview with Actor Jean-Louis Trintignant (1983, 8:32) -
Interview with Co-Writer Ettore Scola (14:15) -
![Screen shot for Interview with Director/Co-Writer Dino Risi [Criterion]](/img/caps/49dcb14c-8.jpg)
Interview with Director/Co-Writer Dino Risi [Criterion] (2004, 20:02)
| Editions | |
|---|---|
| Extras | Introduction by Alexander Payne Criterion BD |
| Una bella vacanza: Buon compleanno Dino Risi! (A Beautiful Vacation) Criterion BD | |
| Back to Castiglioncello - Excerpts from Documentary Criterion BD | |
| Parlando con Vittorio (Speaking with Gassman) - Excerpts from Documentary Criterion BD | |
| Commedia all’italiana and “Il sorpasso” - Interview with Rémi Fournier Lanzoni Criterion BD | |
| Interview with Actor Jean-Louis Trintignant Criterion BD | |
| Interview with Co-Writer Ettore Scola Criterion BD | |
| Interview with Director/Co-Writer Dino Risi [Criterion] Criterion BD | |
| Theatrical Trailer Criterion BD |
Notes
- “Speaking with Gassman” is also available on Radiance’s Blu-ray of Il mattatore (1960).